The Dog-Friendly Road Trip Around Colorado

Hit the road with your furry sidekick and chase the allure of adventure across the Centennial State on this dog-friendly road trip. Dive into this adventure guide and get ready for a pup-tastic time, exploring dog-friendly attractions, hiking trails, eateries, breweries, and so much more. Here’s your go-to guide for road tripping with your dog across Colorado.

Editor’s Note: It’s always fun to take new adventures with your four-legged friends. Just make sure you’re being a responsible pet owner. Always clean up after your dog and be sure to familiarize yourself with local leash laws before traveling. Keep in mind, health code laws are subject to change. This could mean that in patio areas, dogs are only allowed to sit outside the fence. If you’re consuming alcohol, use a designated driver and consume responsibly. Alcohol consumption is only allowed in Colorado for those 21 and over.

2. Denver

Doggy Road Trip Photo Credit: eyecrave (iStock).

Denver is the perfect city for dog-lovers! Go for a walk at popular parks including Confluence Park, City Park, Cheesman Park, Washington Park, and Sloan’s Lake Park. There’s also a number of dog parks in the area including Railyard, Fuller, Berkeley, and Cherry Creek State Park.

3. Fort Collins

The Exchange in Fort Collins. Photo Credit: Spencer McKee.

Escape to a dog-friendly paradise in the bustling mountain town of Fort Collings. From doggy putt-putt to beautiful waterfall hikes to large outdoor spaces for eating and drinking, there’s no shortage of things to do when it comes to seeking new and fun experiences with your tail-wagging friends in this mountain town.

If you’re looking for an outdoor play park where your dog can swim and make new friends, Spring Canyon Dog Park is the place to go. For dog-approved breweries, you’ll find countless options including Maxline Brewing, Horse and Dragon Brewing Company, Zwei Brewing, and more. After a long day of exploring with your pooch by your side, reward your dog with a frosty treat from Revolution Artisan Pops or Walrus Ice Cream.

5. Aspen

Calling all dog-loving explorers! Aspen is full of adventures for you and your barking best friend. Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted with timeless beauty and pup-welcoming attractions. Chase the allure of beautiful mountains on top-rated hiking trails including American Lakes Trail, Sunnyside Trail, Capital Creek Trail, and Ute Trail. After hiking up a thirst, bring your pooch to these dog-friendly restaurants: Element 47, Hops Culture, Meat and Cheese, Kenichi, and Red Mountain Grill.

If you’re looking to explore the iconic Maroon Bells, plan to make other arrangements for your pooch. Sorry folks, no dogs allowed.

6. Buena Vista

If the intriguing beauty of reaching the summit of one of Colorado’s 14ers moves your adventurous soul, then you’re in the right place. Buena Vista offers quick and easy access to a number of hiking trails including several of Colorado’s 14-foot mountain peaks. Favorites include Mount Antero, Mount Princeton, Huron Peak, and Mount Elbert. For a full list of Colorado fourteeners in the area, click here.

If you’re looking for something a little more simple, go a few extra miles for hiking trails around the beautiful Twin Lakes. After a long trek with your four-legged friend, head into town and grab a cold drink at Eddyline Brew Pub (dogs sit outside the fenced patio) or on the Deerhammer Whiskey Distillery patio.

7. Salida

Let’s face it, dogs love to wander and adventure just as much as you do. Whether your looking to discover Salida’s picturesque town or the surrounding mountains, you’ll find plenty of exploring for you and your pup. You can even give your pup 12,012-foot views by riding the dog-friendly Monarch Scenic Tram. Hiking trails full of scenic viewpoints and hidden gems worth exploring include Hunt Lake, Browns Creek Waterfall, Waterdog, and Rainbow for long-distance seekers. After a sunny day out on the trails, refuel at a dog-friendly spot like Soulcraft Brewing or Moonlight Pizza & Brewpub. These two are great for grabbing drinks and some tasty fare with your pooch.

8. Telluride

If you want to create new and exciting memories for you and your pooch, Telluride has a lot to offer. Miles of scenic hiking trails, dog-friendly eateries, free gondola rides, and an adventurous line up of events will help make your journey even more exciting. If you’re able to plan your getaway in the fall, the aspens are absolutely breathtaking along Last Dollar Road.

Telluride is home to some of the most beautiful places in Colorado. For a truly magical experience, add Blue Lakes Trail and Bridal Veil Falls to your summer bucket list. For downtown exploring, grab an ice-cold brew at The Coffee Cowboy and walk your pooch along the San Miguel River. Soak in beautiful natural scenery at this dog-friendly escape. The Telluride Town Park is another great place for some afternoon fetch. For lunch, make your way to La Cocina De Luz for some delicious grub and dog-friendly patio seating.

9. Durango

Photo Credit:ideabug (iStock).

Looking for an unforgettable adventure in a charming mountain town of Colorado? Then look no further than Durango. Floating on the Animas River, finding beauty along the Horse Gulch Trail System, and adventurous dog-parks are all part of this dog-friendly experience.

Map

Over the course of this dog-friendly trip, you’ll travel nearly 900 miles across the wildly beautiful Centennial State. Estimated travel time on the road varies anywhere from 16 to 19 hours. Here’s a quick look at the full road trip below.

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